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Medicaid Matters for Kids Mondays -- Madeline and Camille

Every Monday Speak Now for Kids is celebrating Medicaid Matters for Kids Mondays with posts highlighting the importance of Medicaid in children’s access to health care. This week we hear from Lori, the mother of Madeline and Camille, who represented Norton Children's Hospital at the 2010 Speak Now for Kids’ Family Advocacy Day.

Madeline and Camille are happy, healthy young ladies who are thriving—both physically and academically—but this wasn’t always the case.

Diagnosed with tethered cord syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that limits the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column, both girls have undergone delicate spinal cord surgeries to alleviate bladder and bowel problems; pain and tingling in their legs and feet; severe headaches; extreme fatigue; toe walking; and problems with basic motor skills. The family is extremely grateful to their surgeon Tom Moriarty, MD and Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY.

The Davis family is also grateful for Medicaid. When Mr. Davis was temporarily laid off from his job and the family lost their medical insurance, medical bills were a great concern. “I am so thankful the girls received Medicaid insurance. If it weren't for Medicaid, they wouldn't have been able to have their surgeries, which were essential to stop further damage to their bodies.” states mom. “Both also received PT and OT after surgery and Medicaid covered this as well. Medicaid served our family well when we were in a short-term crisis.”

Today the Davis family is back on track and doing great. Madeline, a sophomore at duPont Manual High School plays volleyball, swims on a summer swim league, and will try out for cross country next year. She is also a superstar off the field, with a 4.2 GPA. Madeline has her sights set on attending Duke University and becoming a pediatric hospitalist.

Camille, fast on the heels of her older sister is in 8th grade at Ramsey Middle School where she plays volleyball, soccer and is on the swim team. Proud of her 4.0 standing, Camille has been accepted into DuPont Manual for high school and has her sights set on attending Texas A&M to study engineering.